A train derails in Ohio, but a new risk from the incident has nearby residents evacuating their homes; and prominent, billionaire backers of the Republican Party are opposing Donald Trump’s bid for presidency. These stories and more highlight the daily afternoon rundown for Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.
Turkey struck by second earthquake
Turkey and Syria have been devastated by two powerful earthquakes which happened Monday morning and then again in the afternoon. The death toll has risen dramatically over the past several hours as rescue crews frantically search for survivors stuck under the rubble.
At least 2,300 people have died, with thousands more injured and unaccounted for. This was the worst earthquake to strike the region in more than a century.
International assistance is pouring into Turkey and Syria as rescues are currently underway.
New York also records a strong earthquake
Buffalo, New York, was also rattled by an earthquake Monday, but at a much smaller magnitude of 3.8. However, it’s still the strongest earthquake to shake this region in at least 40 years.
Train derailment poses further danger
There are lingering dangers in the aftermath of a train derailment in Ohio. The incident occurred late Friday, but explosions that could still happen are causing hundreds of nearby residents to evacuate their homes.
Officials are warning of a “catastrophic tanker failure” that could create an explosion that sends sharp debris flying within a mile radius.
The pileup of rail cars is a taxing clean-up job for officials as more than a hundred railcars were involved and 20 of them carried hazardous materials.
GOP billionaires set to oppose Trump in 2024
As President Biden is set to deliver his State of The Union address Tuesday, talks of the 2024 election are already well underway.
The DNC approved its presidential primary calendar over the weekend while influential Republicans are taking a clear stance on who they won’t be supporting in 2024.
Powerful, conservative billionaire Charles Koch has long funneled financial support into influential GOP networks. While these groups formerly financially backed Donald Trump in 2016, a memo indicates the former president will not be receiving their support in 2024. The memo cites the need to “start a new chapter” and “turn to a new page.”
While the GOP money machine says it’s too early to endorse a certain candidate, the group is making a clear opposition campaign against the former president. Openly opposing Trump for 2024 is something other prominent Republican billionaires have similarly done.
Nord Stream leaks remain unsolved
The four leaks discovered in Nord Stream pipelines one and two back in September continue to remain a mystery despite months of investigation.
While many Western officials pointed the finger at Russia calling it a “deliberate act of sabotage,” there hasn’t been any evidence to prove it, according to top German officials briefed on the ongoing investigation.
The world agrees, based on a Swedish investigation, the leaks were deliberate, but no one can pinpoint who did it. Russia has refuted blame since the beginning.
FDA and lawmakers discuss marijuana safeguards
21 states have legalized marijuana, some as recently as the midterm election just months ago. But some researchers are wanting society to pump the brakes and proceed with caution when using marijuana and CBD products. Lawmakers are listening to those concerns.
Recently a steady flow of data has emerged on health impacts. Those impacts include emphysema in smokers, learning delays in teenagers and an uptick in deaths of children exposed to edibles. These red flags have the FDA calling on Congress to create safeguards to mitigate the risks.
Lawmakers are discussing standards on dosing, mandates for childproof containers for edibles and advertising restrictions aimed at protecting children.
The discussions come as the drug gains popularity. Two-thirds of Americans are for the legalization of marijuana.
Flaco the owl escapes Central Park Zoo
Flaco the owl is proving his species to be wise. He was able to break free from his habitat at the Central Park Zoo and then sightsee over the city for several days.
Officials were able to recapture Flaco Monday morning. Park rangers spent days trying to coax the bird down from a tree in Central Park. The bird was apparently taking lots of naps, but also wasn’t seen eating anything. Officials were worried he wouldn’t survive much longer on his own.
So, it’s a happy ending for Flaco and the Central Park Zoo.
